I am a sucker for nostalgia and usually get very sentimental during the holiday season, like (I am sure) most people do. I miss the past and long for when life seemed a little simpler and less demanding, when families where closer and holidays really meant something and  Christmas shopping was truly a creative and rewarding experience rather than a search for the trends and holiday sales.

In light of this topic, I can honestly say that although I cannot change what has happened to family and tradition, I can suggest  finding a piece of a reminder from the past and escaping there, if only for a day.

I personally do this by taking a day  in San Francisco to go downtown and walk only through historic ( iconic)  retail stores  encompassing Union Square,  so that I can detox myself from the demands of modern-day shopping frenzy through  a “Westfield Mall”.

I walk through Macy (no 4) and then cross the street over to Neiman Marcus (no 6) . Afterwards,  I cut through Union Square towards Saks Fifth Avenue (no 7), in order to avoid anything modern and new along the way.

For lunch I  dine at  Scala’s Bistro on Powell Street (near no 7) and then walk down Post Street towards  Gump’s Department Store (no  9) to continue my escape into the past.   Avoiding Juicy Couture and Nike Department Stores along the way.

This is the place I always purchase small traditional gifts  for the most meaningful people in my life and head back towards  Union Square, while walking in and out of several small local boutiques from the past.  Again avoiding Juicy Couture at all cost.

Before heading home, I go into the  Westin St. Francis Hotel (no 2) and have myself a “traditional” cup of coffee with a seasonal dessert, while I watch the passers-bys hurrying about Union Square.

Believe it or not, this (insignificant to some)  escape from the modern-day holiday shopping craze, is  not only rewarding but also therapeutic in my opinion and should be considered by most anyone,longing to reconnect with the past.